Restoring Pleiotrophin Shows Promise for Improving Brain Function in Down Syndrome

Restoring pleiotrophin shows promise for improving brain function in Down syndrome

Faulty brain circuits seen in Down syndrome may be caused by the lack of a particular molecule essential for the development and function of the nervous system, new research suggests.

Missing Molecule May Explain Down Syndrome

Faulty brain circuits seen in Down syndrome may be caused by the lack of a particular molecule essential for the development and function of the nervous system, according to a new study in lab mice. Restoring the molecule, called pleiotrophin, could improve brain function in Down syndrome and other neurological diseases, possibly even in adults, the researchers say. The scientists conducted their work in mice, rather than in people, so the appro…